Despite selling millions of units around the world, Sony have no idea why their new console, the PS4, is selling so well.

It’s something that they’d certainly like to put behind them but the fact is, Sony didn’t get off to a great start with the PS3. The console was far too overpriced and it also launched an entire year later than its closest competitor, Microsoft’s Xbox 360. With a handful of price cuts and a slew of incredible PlayStation exclusives (LittleBigPlanet and Uncharted, anyone?) the console did eventually scramble to a decent position but nonetheless Sony was keen not to make the same mistakes with the PS4. And thus far, they’ve succeeded. The PS4 is reasonably priced, has a great deal of fantastic games already, the free games of PlayStation Plus make it a venerable, must-have service and it’s selling incredibly well across the globe. But not even Sony could have predicted the PS4’s astonishing success and as they’ve now revealed they have no idea what caused it.

So what could be the real reason behind the PS4’s sales? It certainly didn’t get to 10 million global sales for nothing.

Arguably, the biggest reason is the PS4’s price. Retailing for under $400/£350 in the US and the UK respectively, the console is priced far better than new rival the Xbox One. Sales of Microsoft’s system have trickled in by comparison, with sales kept low (estimates suggest they’ve sold just 5 million Xbox One units) because of a hefty price tag that came from the Kinect 2.0 camera being a mandatory add-on. Not only that but buying a console gets even more expensive when you factor in the annual multiplayer subscription so as PlayStation Plus comes with far more free games (across PSP, PS Vita, PS3 and PS4) than Xbox Live (free games across the Xbox 360 and Xbox One) the PS4 becomes the better bargain.

Sony’s PS4 success could also be helped by its global strategy. In the past, the PS3 has struggled against the Xbox 360’s might in North America, in the UK and Europe they were on middle ground and in Japan and other Asian countries, Sony dominated. These time, Sony has dominated in all of these territories due to a strategy that can appease everyone, no matter their culture or residency in the world. For example, deals for PlayStation exclusive content in multi-platform games like Destiny have made PS4 the go to console for the globally popular while attractive pricing everywhere and early launches in countries all over the world (the Xbox One has taken till now to launch in Japan) and other exclusives that appeal to everyone have made it a global winner. An example of how this has worked is in the UK where Sony recently notched up 1 million PS4 sales, beating the time it took for the PS3, PS2 and Xbox 360 to do the same by several weeks.

Finally, you have to look at the games for where the PS4 is fast outpacing the Xbox One. Obviously franchises such as Uncharted have a certain draw but it’s the reveal of games like Bloodborne and inFamous: Second Son that bring experiences to PS4 that aren’t available on any other platform. If Sony continues to bring great games like this to the console, then the sales figures will only increase in due time, so expect us to report on them once they do.

Confirmed by Sony, the new update to their latest console will allow the PS4 to play 3D Blu-Ray movies.

It’s incendiary perhaps, but it’s also pretty obvious so I’m just going to put it out there – this year’s E3 was a bit of a dud. Especially in comparison to last year’s E3 at least when we got the first peek of the PS4 machine in all of its slick and shiny black, cuboid glory after Sony had kept the thing hidden away from prying eyes in the 4 months prior to the annual gaming event. It was huge, it was bombastic and most important it was exciting because we were finally getting to feast our eyes upon the cool and wondrous features and games that the PS4 was going to bring us when it released later that year. Needless to say, this year’s show would struggle to top it. E3 2014 wasn’t totally shabby though as it brought promises of interesting new, PlayStation-only TV shows, a glimpse at Nathan Drake’s aging (but still oh so beautiful) mug in the upcoming Uncharted 4 and a slew of multi-platform titles that the Xbox One would be getting too. Unfortunately, the latter shared gaming titles meant Sony and Microsoft are having to pull other, much smaller features out of the bag to 1-up each other and with the Xbox One recently getting 3D Blu-Ray support, it was always going to be the PS4’s turn next.

The latest PS4 update follows an update from the week before that brings better stability to the console, which is hardly something to write on the back of the box (‘now as stable as ever!’) Fascinating or not, the addition of 3D Blu-Ray support does mean that we can spend more money on Sony Pictures titles such as Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs and, uh, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs Two. There’s also Avatar, Gravity and an entire roster of other great 3D films to watch at home and although not a lot of people have 3D TVs, it’s a small step in the PS4’s path to multimedia domination, with one discernible highlight of E3 being the a announcement that YouTube would soon be coming to PS4.

Not only that, but the 3D Blu-Ray support also gives you a chance access to 3D content on your tellybox even after the TV networks have canned their 3D channels due to lack of interest, it also means that if you do have a 3D TV, you won’t have to pay an arm and a leg for subscribe to said 3D channels just to take advantage of it. Though, if you can afford a 3D TV that’s probably less of a concern. Anyway, whether you can afford the appropriate 3D gizmos or not, the PS4 3D Blu-Ray support update is available now for now directly from your console. It’s also mandatory if you want to connect to PSN, so there’s that too.

Coming under fire as ‘too bright’ and ‘too much of a gimmick’, Sony have confirmed that the PS4’s DualShock 4 lightbar can be dimmed in a future console update.

Prior to the PS4’s release, a slew of ‘radical’ new features was announced set to differentiate Sony’s next generation console from it’s green and black Microsoft-branded rival, the Xbox One. Amongst these was PlayStation Plus, the paid service that gives you access to both online multiplayer on PS4 as well as free games across several PlayStation platforms (PS3, PS4 and PS Vita), the media apps which can be accessed for free and the extensive range of abilities from the console’s DualShock 4 controller, an upgraded version of the DualShock 3 which had been adapted to reflect an era of touchscreens. With the DualShock 4, the world was now your interactive, with the touchpad allowing for new control inputs while tilting the controller also made good use of the ‘Sixth Axis’ awareness tech introduced on PS3 (Sixth Axis allowed the console to know how you were holding the controller and which angle it was being pointed in), but bizarrely, Sony also chose to include a flashing LED light but, in a new PS4 update, we’ll ‘almost’ be able to turn it off.

The light has become somewhat of a running joke amongst PS4 players and critics alike as the DualShock 4 lights up in a specific shade of neon, PlayStation branded blue when it’s switched on, changing colour when you log-in and both flashing and changing colour in certain PS4 games such as Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition which causes the controller to flash quickly in red, orange and yellow to symbolise a lit torch. However, some players have cited the light as being an almighty battery suck as the fact that it flashes so much or is so bright (the DualShock 3 in comparison had just a single red dot to show that it was switched on, only flashing when the battery was low) that the PS4 controller frequently runs out of juice. However in a new interview with video game media man Geoff Keighley, the President of Sony Computer Entertainment, Shuhei Yoshida, confirmed that in a future PS4 update, that light would be able dimmed but not turned off.

It’s unfortunate that you won’t be able to turn it off entirely but of course this is understandable as it would be pointless to include it if the option was there to disregard it forever (it would be like owning a touchscreen device and choosing only to use voice commands) especially as developers go to the consideration to include the features in the first place, but perhaps the reaction to the announcement will provide some incentive for Sony to consider it. This is in part Keighley’s own fault as his initial tweet about the interview said that you’d be able to turn off the DualShock 4’s lightbar, leading Yoshida to clarify exactly what he said, but as no new info has been revealed on that DualShock 4 dimming PS4 update, there is still *a chance* that Sony will make adjustments and we’ll be able to turn the flashing thing off altogether.

Could a Sony issued survey give clues as to what we might see in a future system update?

Sony made it clear a couple of weeks back that a major firmware update would be on its way for the PlayStation 4, but as for complete details on what new features would be apart of it, they were quite the teasers. Grrr… Pretty sneaky, sis.

Unfortunately for them (a good for us!), a recent user survey sent to PS4 owners might have tipped their hand. In it, the survey asks to rate what upgrades users would like to see for the console, items like a reputation system and – sit down for this, folks – the option to finally change your PlayStation Network username. Yes! Pretty much the most requested thing since… well, pretty much since the PlayStation 3.

The suggestions don’t stop there though, oh no, Sony also gauged these interests within the survey:

Advanced matching making system that pairs up players with others of a similar skill set

The option to appear offline

Upping the limit for Party Chat beyond eight participants

Voice chat across all PlayStation systems – so PS4, PS3, and PS Vita

On-screen notifications for when friends show up online

I’m sure you would say, “I want all of those!” And I’d be right there with you too! I would love those additions to the PlayStation 4. Although, it’s probably a good idea to temper expectations at this junction, because there’s no clue to the timeframe of when the console might see these features, or whether if Sony will implement them at all.

It is super nice to know Sony is listening to all our concerns and complaints about the PlayStation 4 (or any PlayStation platform for that matter) at least, which should be the key positive thing to take away from today’s news.

]]>http://ps3maven.com/playstation-4-survey-hints-at-reputation-system-user-name-changing/feed/1Over 300,000 PlayStation 4s Sold In First Two Days In Japanhttp://ps3maven.com/300000-playstation-4s-sold-japan/
http://ps3maven.com/300000-playstation-4s-sold-japan/#commentsThu, 27 Feb 2014 22:00:26 +0000Bernie Motahttp://ps3maven.com/?p=11526Over 300,000 PlayStation 4s Sold In First Two Days In Japan

Sony kicks off the launch of the PlayStation 4 in Japan with a solid sales performance.

While the rest of the world has been buying up the PlayStation 4 like nobody’s business, Sony’s homeland of Japan had yet to see the console’s release till now. That changed last Thursday, February 22, when the PS4 officially launched there, and according to Famitsu (via VG247), during its first two days the console sold an estimated 322,083 units.

Much had been speculated about how the PS4 would fair in its native country, what with the current state of the Japanese gaming industry heavily in favor of mobile phones (and to a lesser extent the Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita). While Sony has never admitted it publicly, that’s partly why the PS4 launched first in North America, and then Europe.

The estimated figure from Famitsu is in no means a great one, but it is by all accounts still a successful Japanese debut for the PlayStation 4. Only the PlayStation 2, the record leader which sold 630,552 units, and the Nintendo Wii, with 371,936 units sold, had stronger two day sales, which places the new console in some rather good company historically.

Will sales remain that way in the weeks to come? Nothing is guaranteed of course, especially with how the last console that launched in Japan, the Nintendo Wii U, dramatically dropped in sales the months thereafter. It truly will be up to Sony to overcome the problems faced by the former in this inauspicious console market, but for now, all is looking good.

What kind of world will be in store for you in The Order: 1886, coming in 2014 for the PlayStation 4? Its latest trailer gives a tiny taste of just that.

This week was a boon for PlayStation 4 owners still waiting patiently for more news on upcoming games in 2014, as studio Ready at Dawn finally released more info on their first PS4 exclusive coming soon to the latter half of the year, with a trailer that clues us in a little more to the Neo-Victorian London trappings of The Order: 1886.

Picture it: a third-person action game where you, a knight of the Round Table (yes, the, actual Round Table with King Arthur and company), do battle with an age-old monstrous foe, who have had the upper hand against humanity for as long as they’ve been around. Being at the cusp of the Industrial Revolution though, you’ll also have an arsenal of trigger-ready weapons to ensure a fair fight. Almost.

We still have many months before we get to see The Order: 1886 on store shelves, but with E3 2014 inching ever closer, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a further roll out of media from both Sony and Ready at Dawn. In fact, I’m looking forward to it. Not to mention the other excellent releases, DriveClub for example, that are on their way for the PlayStation 4.

Greatness awaits no more, as Sony’s latest home console reaches great numbers sold worldwide thus far.

The future of the PlayStation 4 is looking bright (you’ve got to wear shades). Hardly removed from its respective North American and European launches in November of last year, Sony announced on Tuesday, February 18, that the console has officially sold through more than an impressive 5.3 million units worldwide as of February 8.

“I am thrilled that so many customers around the globe have continued to select PS4 as the best place to play throughout and beyond the holiday season,” commented Andrew House, President and Group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment, upon today’s news.

Further adding, “We are delighted that according to the NPD Group’s latest data, PS4 was January’s top-selling console in the United States. The PS4 system’s momentum just keeps growing stronger, and we are extremely grateful for the continued passion and support of PlayStation fans.”

Momentum is right, though. At the end of 2013, Sony told the press that the number of PS4s sold to consumers was officially at 4.2 million worldwide. This means that between that time, which Sony officially said was capped off at December 28, and up till now, 1.1 million more PlayStation 4 units flew off shelves – that’s just plain ridiculous. Ridiculous, I say.

With the Japanese launch of the console this week, February 22, it could be possible that the sales figures for the PS4 might jump even farther. Possibly even reaching the 6 million sold through mark by March if all goes positively. And doing so would be great news, not to mention proper timing, for one of Sony’s most anticipated PS4-exclusive titles, inFamous: Second Son, which is about hit stores next month.

He might not be the hero we deserve, but we surely do need to see this amazing Dark Knight painted PlayStation 4.

The guys down at ProModz sure do come up with some killer unique mods for video game consoles and controllers (hey, don’t take my word for it – head over to their website and see). And the hits keep on coming with their latest custom design that involves Sony’s PlayStation 4 and the protector of Gotham City, The Dark Knight.

Check out this Dark Knight themed PlayStation 4, a bold console paint job that uses Bat’s signature winged logo – and his “Why so serious?” mug in silhouette form on the top of the box – as a sharp motif throughout its black and white plastic shell. It even has a matching DualShock 4 controller that you can see in the video below.

That looks so good, even Batman would crack a smile. And then punch a bad guy in the face. I certainly wouldn’t mind saving a spot in my entertainment system for such a cool PlayStation 4, which I hear you can now find in stock at major retailers like GameStop.

That’s the kind of news you can find here on Ps3 Maven, along with the latest info about a Sly Cooper movie coming to theaters in 2016!

Out of all the best features about the PlayStation 4, being able to watch livestreams of fellow PS4 owners is so fine and dandy. And I’m wagering Sony agrees on this too, which is probably why the latest update for their PlayStation companion app just got a neat update that’s focused on finding such streams with better ease.

The PlayStation app’s What’s New section now lets users browse PS4 game streams directly from their iOS or Android device. Unfortunately, the only catch is that the app won’t allow you watch those streams from inside it. Instead, it off loads that function towards another app. So for instance, if you want to watch a friend’s stream on Twitch, then the PS app will redirect you towards your smartphone’s internet browser.

On Android though, if you have the Ustream app installed and happen to open one of their feeds on the What’s New section, then it quickly switches over to that. Sure it would be nice if the PS app would just handle all that on its own, but for now it gets the job done.

Lastly, one other fix Sony brought to this update was to an odd option that would automatically pull the PS4 out of sleep mode when using the PS app to check friend requests and the like. That’s no longer the case after this update. No more worries about wasted electricity, folks, Sony’s got it handled.

]]>http://ps3maven.com/playstation-4-smartphone-app-update/feed/07 of the Hottest PlayStation Games Out in 2014http://ps3maven.com/playstation-games-2014/
http://ps3maven.com/playstation-games-2014/#commentsMon, 03 Feb 2014 19:13:13 +0000JasmineHenryhttp://ps3maven.com/?p=114027 of the Hottest PlayStation Games Out in 2014

2014 is shaping up to be one of the best years for PlayStation gamers and so we’ve rounded up a list of the hottest games out on PS3 and PS4 this year.

The PS3 may be on its way out, set to be replaced under tellies and on cabinets for the younger, more powerful PS4, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not going to give itself a warm farewell with some cracking games and we needn’t underestimate the cooling embers of an aging console. Too, don’t expect the PS4 not to fight for its positions as the best-selling next-gen console, as some excellent games for Sony’s newest game box will we released in 2014. I’ve rounded up my pick of the best PlayStation games set to be released this year and you can read the list below.

1. Dark Souls 2

Out in March, Dark Souls 2 is the sequel to the famously difficult RPG, Dark Souls. Bringing with it a familiar mix of tactical fighting as players struggle to stay alive in the game, this title is made even more difficult by the fact that players can now ‘invade’ each other’s worlds. Luckily, though, this rather unique gameplay mechanic is offset by the fact that players can also help each other fend invasions off, which will make for some interesting examples of teamwork when Dark Souls 2 is released on PS3.

2. Watch Dogs

The former PS4 launch title that was pushed back by Ubisoft to an early 2014 release date, the extra time in the oven for Watch Dogs may have done the game well. When it’s finally released on PS3 and PS4, the much awaited game will offer players an entire sandbox worth of cyber interference as Aiden Pearce, a talented hacker, aims to avenge his family, presumably by the means of hacking phones, bank accounts and just about anything else that is connected to the in-game city’s communications grid.

3. Destiny

Another title that will be released on both PS3 and PS4 this year is Destiny, the MMO from the developers of Halo, Bungie. Things you can expect from Destiny are plenty of options to take on or team up with your friends, class customisation, weapon hording and collecting and a whole lot of fast-paced actions taking place in Bungie’s upcoming connected world. This could be a huge hit when it releases in September.

4. inFamous: Second Son

One of the PS4’s first AAA exclusives, inFamous: Second Son makes an excellent example of the PS4’s fancy graphics by letting you play as Delsin Rowe, a superhero (or villain, depending on the choices you make in the game) who cannot just shoot fire from his fingertips and scorch enemies into the Earth, he can also utilise neon and even absorb other powers. Impressive stuff and it’s out in March.

5. Dragon Age: Inquisition

Not much is known about EA and BioWare’s upcoming RPG. However, what we do know is that it looks incredible, that it will be out on PS3 and PS4 and we can expect it to be out in 2014. It’s set to bring more team-based strategy and inventory managing, as Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age 2 did before it and as recent controversy over quotes from the game’s lead writer suggests, Dragon Age: Inquisition will also bring with it character romances.

6. Driveclub

The biggest news surrounding Driveclub as of late is that it’s facing yet more setbacks that could see the once-PS4 launch title even miss its new ‘Q1 2014’ release date. However, when it is finally released, Driveclub’s brand of squad based racing could bring racing fans together in a way that Need for Speed never could, encouraging groups of racers to play together for points and rank and, of course, fame. It may not have a confirmed release date yet but there is a reason that this PS4 exclusive is high on everyone’s wishlists.

7. The Elder Scrolls Online

Perhaps the most ambitious title on this list, this PC, PS4 and Xbox One only title takes place in Bethesda’s much loved Elder Scrolls universe. An MMORPG, players from all over the world finally have a chance to battle orcs, Nords and, of course, each other, in a universe that is as much loved for its vast range of levelling up and player customisation as it is for its stellar combat, questing and its many cabbage and ‘arrow to the knee’ jokes. The only downside to this game is that it will cost players a monthly subscription but if gameplay trailers and recent screenshots are anything to go by, that fee will be very much worth it.

Which PlayStation games are you looking forward to this year? Leave a comment and let us know.